In a commanding display of skill and power, Australia Women cruised to a 9-wicket win against Pakistan Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Aussies made light work of Pakistan’s total of 82, chasing it down in just 11 overs, making it a comprehensive win and continuing their impressive campaign.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan had a difficult time facing Australia’s top-tier bowling attack. Pakistan’s innings never really took off, and the team was bowled out for a modest 82 runs in 19.5 overs. Aliya Riaz was the only batter who put up a notable resistance, scoring 26 runs off 32 balls with 3 boundaries. However, her efforts were in vain as wickets fell consistently around her.
Here’s a quick look at Pakistan’s batting performance:
- Muneeba Ali Siddiqi (C & WK): 7 runs off 12 balls
- Sidra Amin: 12 runs off 18 balls
- Sadaf Shamas: 3 runs off 6 balls
- Nida Dar: 10 runs off 10 balls
- Omaima Sohail: 3 runs off 7 balls
- Aliya Riaz: 26 runs off 32 balls
- Iram Javed: 12 runs off 25 balls
- Tuba Hassan: 3 runs off 6 balls
- Syeda Aroob Shah: 1 run off 2 balls
- Nashra Sundhu: 0 off 1 ball
- Sadia Iqbal: 0* off 0 balls
Australia’s bowlers were highly effective, with Ashleigh Gardner leading the charge. She took 4 wickets for just 21 runs in her 4 overs, delivering a stellar performance and earning herself the Player of the Match title.
Australian Bowling: Relentless and Accurate
Australia’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, applying constant pressure on the Pakistani batters. The team made use of variations in pace, tight lines, and lengths, which ultimately led to Pakistan’s collapse. The key bowlers for Australia were:
- Ashleigh Gardner: 4 overs, 21 runs, 4 wickets
- Georgia Wareham: 4 overs, 16 runs, 2 wickets
- Annabel Sutherland: 2.5 overs, 15 runs, 2 wickets
- Megan Schutt: 3 overs, 7 runs, 1 wicket
- Sophie Molineux: 4 overs, 19 runs, 1 wicket
- Tahlia McGrath: 2 overs, 4 runs
Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals, struggling to form partnerships. The pressure created by Gardner, Wareham, and the rest of the attack left Pakistan with no room to score freely, which eventually led to their downfall.
Australia’s Swift Chase
Australia’s chase was clinical and swift, as they reached the target in just 11 overs, with 9 wickets in hand. Although Australia lost Beth Mooney early in the chase, caught by Aliya Riaz off Sadia Iqbal’s bowling for 15 runs, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry ensured there were no more slip-ups.
Alyssa Healy retired hurt after scoring an impressive 37 off 23 balls, a knock which included 5 boundaries. Perry then guided Australia to victory alongside Ash Gardner, who also contributed with a quick-fire 7 off 5 balls.
Here’s a look at Australia’s key batting performance:
- Beth Mooney: 15 runs off 15 balls (3 fours)
- Alyssa Healy (C & WK): 37 runs off 23 balls (5 fours)
- Ellyse Perry: 22* runs off 23 balls (2 fours)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 7* runs off 5 balls (1 four)
Sadia Iqbal was the only successful bowler for Pakistan, taking 1 wicket for 17 runs in her 3 overs.
Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner was undoubtedly the star of the match, contributing significantly with both the ball and the bat. Her figures of 4/21 in 4 overs dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up, and she followed it up with a solid 7 off 5 balls to help finish the chase. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s dominant performance solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the tournament. Their batting depth, bowling accuracy, and fielding discipline are key factors that have contributed to their success thus far. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to reassess their strategies and work on building better partnerships if they want to stay competitive in their upcoming fixtures.
Match Summary
- Pakistan Women: 82 all out in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26, Ashleigh Gardner 4/21)
- Australia Women: 83/1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37, Ellyse Perry 22*)
- Result: Australia Women won by 9 wickets
- Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner
